Sandesh Jhingan is contemplating his options in Europe and is expected to leave ATK Mohun Bagan this season, according to PANAJI.
Last season, the India defender joined ATK Mohun Bagan and has been their defensive rock. Jhingan developed a rock-solid connection with Spanish defender Tiri that propelled the club to the brink of the Indian Super League (ISL) title.
However, as Jhingan seeks a fresh challenge in Europe, that cooperation is likely to be broken.
India's Footballer of the Year has received offers from clubs in Austria, Croatia, and Greece, according to sources.
The 28-year-old defender has long yearned to play in Europe. According to sources, his contract with ATK Mohun Bagan includes a clause that allows him to leave if a foreign team approaches him.
“Jhingan has made two firm offers. He wants to try his hand at European football. “Right now, he's talking to ATK Mohun Bagan to see what's best for everyone involved,” one source familiar with the situation said.
While ATK Mohun Bagan began preseason last week in Kolkata, Jhingan has been absent. The team is gearing up for the AFC Cup, which begins later this month, and the loss of their star defender could be a major setback.
Since being named Emerging Player of the Year in 2014, Jhingan has come a long way. He's risen through the ranks to become national coach Igor Stimac's most trusted defender.
“Sandesh is now twice as good as he was two years ago. He is currently one of Asia's top defensive centre-backs, although he is focusing on improving his passing. He has the potential to become Asia's best,” Stimac remarked last month.
In 2019, Jhingan suffered an ACL injury while playing for India in a friendly against NorthEast United. He'll be out for the entire 2019-20 season. Covid-19 postponed his return to duty until he was fit enough.
After a 13-month layoff, he returned to competitive play in November of last year and won the Footballer of the Year title.